Hoover Middle School is excited to have its own "shop" on the 1st floor of the building filled with clothing and items that students can take home and wear.

"The purpose of the shop is to make it easy for young adults and teens to have access to gently used clothing and accessories for free while also encouraging recycling," said HMS counselor Elizabeth Cipolla.

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While the shop officially opened just recently, the school has been servicing students in need for years. Clothing was always available in the nurse's office for students who were cold, had an accident, or weren't comfortable in their current clothing. That generosity expanded with the help of Ms. Jennifer Scifo, a new F.A.C.S. teacher at Hoover Middle who helped run the clothing closet at Kenmore East. Elizabeth and Jennifer worked together to get the closet up and running, wash clothes, and folding/sorting the clothes with assistance from students on Team 9.

"Teachers and staff have been our biggest supporters," Cipolla said. "Many teachers and support staff have school-aged children and have brought in many bags of clothing."

Any Hoover Middle student can utilize the closet by visiting their counselor or putting their name in a drop box. The school is also continuing to collect donations, specifically hoodies, sweatpants, leggings, and new socks.